Always Be Thankful

One of my favorite verses is 1 Thessalonians 5: 18. It simply says, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong in Christ Jesus.” Did you notice in that verse, it states, “No Matter What Happens.” Let’s face it, it’s easy to be thankful when things are going wonderful in our lives. The challenge is to be thankful when we are going through difficult times also. As a matter of fact, it’s so important that when we are going through challenges or obstacles, we must always have an attitude of gratitude.

Sometimes bad things happen in our lives. There are times that we don’t understand what is happening or why. The most important thing to understand is that there is always something to be thankful for.

What we choose to focus on determines our attitude. While we may face problems, we don’t have to let those problems become our focus. We can make a decision to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It’s important that we focus on the positive at all times. When we are grateful, it completely changes our outlook on everything.

I believe that it is very important that we look back on where we came from also. I look at how Retriever Merchant Solutions has blessed so many lives over the years. The testimonies that come out are many stories of second chances in life and in some cases, absolute miracles. I have seen people come into this business down and out on their luck, some have had failing businesses, some were just getting by in life and now there are so many that are truly living the American dream.

If we are not careful, sometimes pride creeps in and without even knowing it, we can get a sense of entitlement and stop appreciating all the wonderful blessings that come our way. I have seen this happen not only in our business but with many other businesses as well. A person comes into the company and they are extremely thankful and then after a while they lose their attitude of gratitude and start to focus on more negatives than the positives. Some become resentful and some actually become jealous of others. They tend to become more divisive. This is not a positive mindset to be in. This attitude will certainly steal someone’s Joy.

Let me encourage you today that wherever you are in your journey, always have an attitude of gratitude. Look back to where you were. Be thankful for where you are today. Reflect on your future, set some goals, and be extremely grateful for the opportunity that is before you. If someone has blessed you along the way, reach out to them today to let them know how much you have appreciated them. You will make their day.

As I am writing this, I’m sitting at the airport in Chicago getting ready to head back home. I am reflecting on where I was 17 years ago and where I am today. It is way beyond my imagination. I would like to thank Brian Kamstra for giving me this great opportunity and for believing in me. His belief in me has allowed me to believe in myself even more and has given me confidence to achieve many goals. I truly look forward to our future and I can shout it out loud… No matter what happens, I choose always to have an attitude of gratitude!!

Have a wonderful and grateful week. Go out and be a blessing to as many people as you can.